Ultra-Orthodox Leaders Plan Large-Scale Protest Against Draft Enforcement

Senior figures in Degel HaTorah met last night to plan an unprecedented protest against enlistment in the IDF, involving tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox participants, according to a report today on Kan News. The planned action includes large convoys of vehicles traveling across the country toward the military prison, accompanied by flags and loudspeakers, with the goal of slowing traffic and protesting the arrest of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders.

The effort involves senior officials from all ultra-Orthodox parties and different factions, and Lithuanian rabbinic leaders have approved the move. It is expected to take place in the coming days, with Wednesday under consideration as the preferred date.

Earlier today, hundreds of ultra-Orthodox protesters demonstrated at the Gilat Junction near Ofakim and blocked the main road in protest of a draft evader’s arrest by the Military Police. The scene escalated into unrest, and some demonstrators prevented cars from passing.

Overnight, signs were hung at the entrances to several ultra-Orthodox cities, as well as in Ashdod and Jerusalem, urging Military Police officers not to enter and carry out arrests in the city. A sign posted in Jerusalem was removed in the morning.